Publish-header
Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA
Publish Date: 2020-08-16
Bulletin Contents
20_gerasimos
Organization Icon
Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (215) 635-0316
  • Fax:
  • (215) 635-8301
  • Street Address:

  • 7921 Old York Road

  • Elkins Park, PA 19027


Contact Information




Services Schedule

We meet for divine worship every Sunday morning starting with Orthros (Matins) 8:30, Divine Liturgy 9:30-11AM, followed by a fellowship hour in our community center. All are invited!

Please see Community Calendar for a complete listing of all weekday feast-days and worship services.


Past Bulletins


Weekend Update

Please sign up HERE  to attend in person any of the church services 

For those unable to attend in person, click on the service to see the text and pray with us through our Facebook Livestream

Let us know if you would like for us to light a votive candle for you HERE

Friday, August 14, 2020
Forefeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

Saturday, August 15, 2020
The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

* Please note the following adjustments we are making to welcome and accommodate as many parishioners as we can for the Feast of the Dormition on Saturday, August 15.

Due to the current reopening directives by the Civil Authorities and our Metropolitan, we still need to keep the number of persons in the church proper to 75 (65 parishioners plus ten staff members). For the Feast of the Dormition, we are making the church hall available where we can accommodate an additional 25 persons, which is the maximum number of persons permitted by the state for indoor social gatherings. The liturgy will be live-streamed in the church hall on the large screen.

The Signup Genius reflects this change. Please sign up HERE as usual. Seating in the church will be on a first-come, first-seated basis for the first 65, and the additional 25 will be seated in the church hall. For those attending in the church hall and wishing to receive Holy Communion, the ushers will escort you into the church at the proper time.

We will also place the icon of the Dormition and a candle box outside the main church entrance under the portico. Anyone is welcome to come, light a candle, venerate the icon, and stay in the courtyard to hear the liturgy. You do not need to sign up in advance for courtyard attendance, but we will ask you to sign in when you arrive.

Whether you are in church, church hall, or courtyard, you must follow the directions of the ushers, keep your distance, and wear your face mask at all times.

Χ Sunday of Matthew, August 16, 2020

  • 8:30 am MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY
  • We offer memorial prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of Kaliopi Tsikni of blessed memory (40- days, beloved aunt of Despina Twyman, died in Greece)

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

  • 7 pm - Parish Council meeting

Thursday, August 20, 2020

  • 7 pm - Youth Ministry Council meeting (kickoff)

XI Sunday of Matthew August 23, 2020

  • 8:30 am - MATINS, 9:30 am DIVINE LITURGY
  • We will offer memorial prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of Ioannis Fisfis of blessed memory (40-days, beloved father of Apostolos Fisfis & Maria Grigorakakis, died in Greece)
  • 12 pm - Baptism: Psaroudis family
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

20_gerasimos
August 16

Gerasimus of Cephalonia

Saint Gerasimus was from the Peloponnesus, the son of Demetrius and Kale, of the family of Notaras. He was reared in piety by them and studied the Sacred writings. He left his country and went throughout various lands, and finally came to Cephalonia, where he restored a certain old church and built a convent around it, where it stands to this day at the place called Omala. He finished the course of his life there in asceticism in the year 1570. His sacred relics, which remain incorrupt, are kept there for the sanctification of the faithful.


BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16.

Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

Προκείμενον. First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1.
Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 4:9-16.

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ θεὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ἐσχάτους ἀπέδειξεν ὡς ἐπιθανατίους· ὅτι θέατρον ἐγενήθημεν τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ ἀγγέλοις, καὶ ἀνθρώποις. Ἡμεῖς μωροὶ διὰ Χριστόν, ὑμεῖς δὲ φρόνιμοι ἐν Χριστῷ· ἡμεῖς ἀσθενεῖς, ὑμεῖς δὲ ἰσχυροί· ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι. Ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας καὶ πεινῶμεν, καὶ διψῶμεν, καὶ γυμνητεύομεν, καὶ κολαφιζόμεθα, καὶ ἀστατοῦμεν, καὶ κοπιῶμεν ἐργαζόμενοι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσίν· λοιδορούμενοι εὐλογοῦμεν· διωκόμενοι ἀνεχόμεθα· βλασφημούμενοι παρακαλοῦμεν· ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα ἕως ἄρτι. Οὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλʼ ὡς τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ νουθετῶ. Ἐὰν γὰρ μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς ἔχητε ἐν Χριστῷ, ἀλλʼ οὐ πολλοὺς πατέρας· ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα. Παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε.


Gospel Reading

10th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 17:14-23

At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."

10th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 17:14-23

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθόντων αὐτῶν πρὸς τὸν ὄχλον προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπος γονυπετῶν αὐτὸν καὶ λέγων· Κύριε, ἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν, ὅτι σεληνιάζεται καὶ κακῶς πάσχει· πολλάκις γὰρ πίπτει εἰς τὸ πῦρ καὶ πολλάκις εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ. καὶ προσήνεγκα αὐτὸν τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου, καὶ οὐκ ἠδυνήθησαν αὐτὸν θεραπεῦσαι. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν· ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη! ἕως πότε ἔσομαι μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετέ μοι αὐτὸν ὧδε. καὶ ἐπετίμησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ τὸ δαιμόνιον καὶ ἐθεραπεύθη ὁ παῖς ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης. Τότε προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ τῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ κατ᾿ ἰδίαν εἶπον· διατί ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό; ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν ὑμῶν. ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, ἐρεῖτε τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ, μετάβηθι ἐντεῦθεν ἐκεῖ, καὶ μεταβήσεται, καὶ οὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει ὑμῖν. τοῦτο δὲ τὸ γένος οὐκ ἐκπορεύεται εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. ᾿Αναστρεφομένων δὲ αὐτῶν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· μέλλει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοσθαι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθήσεται. καὶ ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα.


BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Holy Napkin in the Second Mode

We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will wast Thou well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.
Τήν άχραντον Εικόνα σου, προσκυνούμεν αγαθέ, αιτούμενοι συγχώρησιν τών πταισμάτων ημών, Χριστέ ο Θεός, βουλήσει γάρ ηυδόκησας σαρκί, ανελθείν εν τώ Σταυρώ, ίνα ρύση ούς έπλασας, εκ τής δουλείας τού εχθρού, όθεν ευχαρίστως βοώμέν σοι, Χαράς επλήρωσας τά πάντα, ο Σωτήρ ημών, παραγενόμενος εις τό σώσαι τόν κόσμον.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition in the First Mode

In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity; in thy dormition, thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by thine intercessions dost thou redeem our souls from death.
Εν τή Γεννήσει τήν παρθενίαν εφύλαξας, έν τή Κοιμήσει τόν κόσμον ού κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε, Μετέστης πρός τήν ζωήν, μήτηρ υπάρχουσα τής ζωής, καί ταίς πρεσβείαις ταίς σαίς λυτρουμένη, εκ θανάτου τάς ψυχάς ημών.

The Apolytikion of the Annunciation/Evangelismos in the Fourth Mode

Today is the summary of our salvation, and the revelation of the age-old mystery. For the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good news of grace. Therefore, let us join him, and cry  aloud to the Theotokos: “Rejoice, Maiden full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

Cήμερον τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν τὸ Κεφάλαιον, καὶ τοῦ ἀπ' αἰῶνος Μυστηρίου ἡ φανέρωσις, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, Υἱὸς τῆς Παρθένου γίνεται, καὶ Γαβριὴλ τὴν χάριν εὐαγγελίζεται. Διὸ σὺν αὐτῷ τῇ Θεοτόκῳ βοήσωμεν· Χαῖρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.
Τήν εν πρεσβείαις ακοίμητον Θεοτόκον, καί προστασίαις αμετάθετον ελπίδα, τάφος καί νέκρωσις ουκ εκράτησεν, ως γάρ ζωής Μητέρα, πρός τήν ζωήν μετέστησεν, ο μήτραν οικήσας αειπάρθενον.
BACK TO TOP

Annunciation Community Calendar

  • Annunciation Community Calendar

    August 16 to August 31, 2020

    Sunday, August 16

    10th Sunday of Matthew

    8:30AM MATINS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    11:00AM We will offer memorial prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of Kaliopi Tsikni of blessed memory (40-days, beloved aunt of DespinaTwyman, died in Greece)

    Monday, August 17

    Myron the Martyr of Cyzicus

    Father John’s Pre-Marital w/ Varoumas/Barr

    Tuesday, August 18

    Floros & Lauros the Monk-martyrs of Illyria

    7:00PM Parish Council meeting

    Wednesday, August 19

    Andrew the General & Martyr & his 2,593 soldiers

    Thursday, August 20

    Samuel the Prophet

    7:00PM Youth Ministry Council Meeting (Kickoff)

    Friday, August 21

    The Holy Apostle Thaddaeus

    Saturday, August 22

    The Holy Martyr Agathonicus

    Sunday, August 23

    11th Sunday of Matthew

    8:30AM MATINS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    11:00AM We will offer memorial prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of Ioannis Fisfis of blessed memory (40-days, beloved father of Apostolos Fisfis & Maria Grigorakakis, died in Greece)

    12:00PM Baptism: Psaroudis family

    Monday, August 24

    Eutyches the Hieromartyr & Disciple of St. John the Theologian

    Tuesday, August 25

    Return of the Body of Bartholomew the Glorious Apostle

    Wednesday, August 26

    The Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalie

    Thursday, August 27

    Pimen the Great

    5:30PM Rehearsal: Kagiavas/Rodriguez

    6:30PM Chrismation: Ashley Marie Rodgriguez

    Friday, August 28

    Moses the Black of Scete

    Saturday, August 29

    Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

    8:30AM MATINS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    Sunday, August 30

    12th Sunday of Matthew

    8:30AM MATINS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    11:00AM We will offer memorial prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of Renee Zissios (1-year), and of Konstantinos Pahidis (5-years) of blessed memory

    2:00PM Wedding: Kagiavas/Rodriguez

    Monday, August 31

    The Placing of the Honorable Sash of the Most Holy Theotokos

BACK TO TOP

Community News & Events

GOYA Sighs & Sound Update

Back in March 2020, our GOYANs were hard at work, preparing for Sights and Sounds. Although they did not get to compete in the sounds portion, their beautiful art did!         

Congratulations to all who placed!   Please review their artwork here.

Junior Division: 

  • Kyra Cardenas - 1st place for crochet/knitting
  • Niko Chin - 1st place for Photo color - general; 2nd place for wood sculpture
  • Elena Giannoumis - 1st place for string art; 2nd place for digitally enhanced photo
  • Alexandra McNally - 2nd place for acrylic

Senior Division:

  • Michael Chin - 3rd place for Metal Sculpture; 3rd place for Photo Color - Nature
  • Mary Rose Gilliland - 1st place for Woodcraft (functional)
  • Nicole Gilliland - 1st place for Photo color - Nature,  3rd place for Photo Color - General
  • Anna Nanos - 1st place for Photo B & W Travel 
  • Chrysoula Papakirk - 1st place for Cartoon; 3rd place for Computer Assisted Design 

Agia Sophia Cathedral Updates

Visit agiasophia.org  to learn about Agia Sophia


BACK TO TOP

Homeless Ministry News

Meet Moses!  

One of the many lives your support of the Homeless Ministry has touched.

Moses came to Whosoever Gospel Mission in October of 2017, just a few days after his father passed away in his arms. His wife had died of an illness several years before that.

Unable to sustain the rent, after years of taking care of his loved ones, Moses knew he needed a new beginning. He donated his dad’s furniture to the Mission, then came that very afternoon to enter the New Life Program.

For Moses, counseling and chapels were life-changing. Whosoever Gospel Mission eventually hired Moses to work in the thrift shop where he’s since risen to a manager. 

After graduating, he moved into his own place and continues to serve full-time at the Mission. He sees his ministry as one of helping the men who come to the Mission realize that they are loved and that they too can have a good future because Jesus can and does make all things new.

His family sees the difference. His mom recently said “Moses, now you know what God intends for you to be. How does it feel to be part of something greater than yourself?”

Moses’ answer? Good. Very good. “It feels like home like it’s where God meant for me to be all along.”

 

Thank you for your ongoing prayers, donations and support of the Homeless Ministry - helping men like Moses "realize that they are loved and that they too can have a good future because Jesus can and does make all things new"! 

Please support our backpack drive for those experiencing homelessness to help them survive on the streets.

For more information please check last week's bulletin available on the Annunciation website. 

 

In Christ's service,

The Homeless Ministry

GodshallA@aol.com (Angela Godshall)

scorp1371@msn.com (Talia Hatzopoulos)

Bsanginiti@yahoo.com (Bonnie Koletas)

BACK TO TOP

Focus on Our Church Family

Pastoral care: If you or someone you know is sick, homebound elderly, or scheduled for surgery, please call the church office to let us know so Fr. John can make a pastoral visit, or to add someone to the prayer list.

Let us pray to the Lord for the health and salvation of: Suffering and persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the non-Christian world, Anthony, Janet, Dionysios, Elizabeth, Peter, Athanasia, Earnest, Virginia, Sandra, Tom, Stephen, Betty, Chryssie, Stacey, Athena, Konstantinos, Donna, Fr. George, Helen, Luke, Lia, Mary.

Names will be kept on this list for approximately 3 months. Please resubmit Names if needed. Fr. John will include the submitted names at the Psokomide “Offering of Gifts” during the first part of the liturgy when he prepares the mystical gifts of bread & wine. Please lift these names up to the Lord in your personal prayer life as well.

Prayer for healing: Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent our Lord to heal every sickness. Visit and heal us. Grant patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that You heal, guide, and protect your servant (s) (pray by name for those who are sick) and grant them the gift of complete health. You are the source of healing and to You, we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Happy wedding anniversary! To those who are celebrating birthdays this coming week: Barth, Peter & Mallory Malkasian; Litvinas, Benjamin & Alexandra; Karanikas, George & Kristen Berezovske; Marmarou, Nicholas & Michelle; Pavlou, George & Vicky Papanikolaou; Psaroudis, Konstantinos & Marigo; Sklikas, Kostas & Stamatia; Driscoll, Greg & Anastasia; Wiedemann, Ralf & Ouliana; Fournaris, George & Aspasia; Ghiz, Scott & Victoria.

Χρόνια πολλά & ευλογημένα!  God grant you many years!  To those who are celebrating birthdays this coming week: Gia Georgiou, Brian Hirst, Despina Kaldes, Cheryl Kontogeorgos, Stella Morris, Jennifer Petronis, Kevin Rega, Mikalia Calliagas, Nicholas Calliagas, Maria Cardenas, Demetra Damian, Lucas Voutsinos, James Armentani, Peter O'Hara, Alexander Otto, Katerina Otto, Connie Bandy, Kelly Brady, William Economou, Eun Georgiou, Dimitra Glyptis, Venetia Voutsinas, Isadora Warner, Dimitri Diagne, Mihalis Dimitriou, Evangeline Limberakis, Philip Gregory Louridas, Chrisovalantis Mountis, Damian Oratis, Athanasios Papanikolaou, Kurt Ufer, Kathleen Connolly, Theodore Contoudis, Christina Stathis.

We extend our love and sympathy to the family of Anastasios Angelis, 85, who fell asleep in the Lord on August 9, 2020. May his memory be eternal.

BACK TO TOP

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Official Statement of the Archdiocese Benefits Committee

08/12/2020

The Archdiocese Benefits Committee (ABC) expresses its deepest gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod for addressing the challenges to “The Pension Plan for Clergymen and Lay Employees of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.” His Eminence affirmed that which we all have known that it is a divine privilege of the church to allow those who have dedicated their whole lives to the Lord to have dignified retirements.

Free Preview of “Effective Christian Ministry” Training Program

08/05/2020

We all know that the Church faces critical ministry challenges. Research shows that 60% of young people fall away from the Faith as they grow into young adults. And did you know that a new study has found that ⅓ of people have stopped attending church altogether during the coronavirus pandemic. They’ve completely disconnected, and aren’t even streaming services. Why? And what can we do to connect people (especially youth and young adults) to the Church?

GOARCH Launches Spanish Ministry Initiative's Facebook

08/05/2020

In August, 2019, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America identified the need for this ministry and tasked His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos to coordinate the development of Spanish-language materials, resources, and outreach ministries throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, supporting efforts of its Metropolises, Parishes, and Institutions nationwide.

A Message from the Department of Religious Education

07/29/2020

There is a great deal of uncertainty about what parish life will look like this fall because of the pandemic. In particular, what might happen to traditionally in-person programs? Over the next weeks, I’ll be offering some ideas for your religious education program. They will offer some basic strategies that you might consider implementing for a virtual religious education program.
BACK TO TOP